Long Lake and Raquette Lake spearhead "Community Pride Day"

LONG LAKE - Long Lake and Raquette Lake recently came together and joined other local towns for the cause of taking pride in their communities.

"The goal is to clean up area streets and roadways to gear up for the summer season," said Alexandra Verner Roalsvig, director of Long Lake parks, recreation and tourism.

Area businesses sponsored tee-shirts and the matching bodies were seen all over Long Lake pitching in to brighten their community. Participating businesses included: Eastern Star Abenaque Chapter #745, Hoss's Country Corner, Shamrock Motel and Cottages, The Cellar, The Rock Shop, Kickerville Mobil Station, Moonlighters Snowmobile Club, and the Long Lake Diner and Owls Head Pub, Raquette Lake Property Owners Association, Great Camp Sagamore, Raquette Lake Tap Room and the WW Durant.

In Long Lake, 14 volunteers collected more than 30 bags of garbage stretching from the highways that stretch throughout the town.

A local business owner spoke of the importance of this gesture.

"It's an opportunity to extend a huge thanks to volunteers in the community," said Jim Piraino. He and his wife Paula own The Long Lake Diner and Owls Head Pub. They were the first to volunteer to participate in Long Lake's Community Pride Day in 2009, according to Roalsvig.

"Last year there were only

three of us," said Paula Piraino. "It's encouraging to see this year's turn-out."

Long Lake Central School students followed the lead of adult participants and conducted their own Community Pride Day last week. They cleaned-up the Nature Trail, the Long Lake Beach and other spots in and around the school.

Momentum is building for Community Pride Month in both Long Lake and Raquette Lake and volunteers are welcome. Stop by the Long Lake town offices or call 624-3077 for more information.